29 February 2012

Question of the day...Most of us like to be touched and loved on. So What areas of your body do you like to be touched, rubbed, caressed, or tickled by your spouse? We all like the obvious places so this question is for those non-sexual areas. :)

I have made this dessert on several occasions and it is always a crowd pleaser. This treat is not only gorgeous but it is just the perfect amount of love on a stick. This treat takes a little more time to create because of the stick and all, so if you don't have extra time then stick with the old fashioned treat and top with shredded chocolate and coconut pieces.

Hopefully you are not someone who likes measurements because I'm someone who occasionally works best without one. Each time I made these I made around 40 kabobs to feed big crowds. I used around 2-3 big tubs of strawberries. 1 1/2 loafs of angel food cake. Around 1/4 cup of melted chocolate. About 1/8 cup toasted coconut. I used the marshmallows on half of the kabobs I made. It was a good addition but I omitted it the second time around because I had to prepare the dessert the day before and I didn't want the marshmallows to get soggy. I have also used blueberries and added them to the layers as well and topped the kabob with 3 blueberries on the very top. Loved all the color.

Line a cookie sheet with tin foil or a silpat. Set near your work station.

Skewer a strawberry first, followed by angel food and continue to make as many layers as you like. I did two and finished with a strawberry on top. If using marshmallows or blueberries remember to add them to the layers. Lay finished kabobs on cookie sheet in a single layer.

Melt chocolate and oil in microwave. The oil gives the chocolate a nice sheen and thins the chocolate for drizzling.

Sprinkle a little bit of coconut over kabobs. Drizzle the chocolate over the kabobs and promptly sprinkle more coconut over chocolate. Place kabobs in fridge to harden chocolate. Once hardened turn kabobs over and sprinkle and drizzle all over again.

Serve on a pretty dish and be ready for all the compliments and praise. Heck, you worked hard enough, so graciously smile and accept all the hoots and hollers over your dessert!!!

Aren't these prints adorable! Lucky you, these are free just for you if you follow my blog. So if you aren't following, now is the best time to start so you don't miss out!

These prints were made for a wedding but can be used for anniversaries or any other special occasion. For a limited time, fill out the request form below and I will email you a version with your personal information.

Rules for receiving your personal prints...

1. Follow my blog and leave a comment on this post (you won't get your free print until you do this step!!!)

Winter Date Night: Pitch a TentCost: FreePerks: The two of you can get away without really getting away, make it simple, and snuggle up to keep each other warm.

Yes, this is what my hubby and I did for Valentine's but who say's you can't do this anytime of the year? Pitch a tent in your backyard, inflate a mattress, grab a few goose down blankets and pillows, string those Christmas lights, and light a few candles. Cook your dinner and dessert on the grill. Pick a movie for the night and watch it on your laptop in the tent. Remember you are away from home, so limit going inside as much as possible. Enjoy your chilly little getaway!!!

If you have any winter date ideas please share them. Winter lasts for quite a few months and I would love to have a new date idea to share each week so we don't get the winter love blues!!!

While looking through mail today I came across this neat little fact..Chocoholics, behold your dream study: Researchers at the University of Michigan fed subjects Hershey Kisses in five different flavors, either saying “here is your next chocolate” or “here is your last chocolate” on the fifth and final Kiss—and then rated how enjoyable that piece of candy was. Fascinatingly, those who were told it was the last chocolate found it more enjoyable than those who didn’t know. It was also rated as the favorite candy in the bunch 64 percent of the time, no matter the flavor. This amazing effect is something researchers call “the positivity effect”—a behavioral phenomenon that seems to validate the old adage “save the best for last”! -Dr. Oz, Daily Aha, You Beauty

This got me to thinking about chocolate (i heart dark chocolate!!!) and also about last moments. "If I knew I only had one more year left, I would ____________." How many times have you heard this phrase or have said it yourself??? Why do we have to wait till the last moments to really cherish love and experiences. Would our relationships be so much more happy and fulfilling if we didn't take a single moment or gesture for granted? Wouldn't it be wiser and yummier to enjoy that first piece of chocolate as much as the last piece?

So the moral of the story...Live and Love like today is all you've got. Think of the difference this would make in your marriage, in your parenting, in the moments you spend taking your breath away!

26 February 2012

My friend Heather Thomasasked me to help her create a few printables for a wedding event she planned yesterday. Because of Heather's request for a few printables you are all in for a treat. I am going to make these printables available to all of you who follow my blog tomorrow afternoon. Instructions on how to get your copy will be posted along with the photos tomorrow. So if you know anyone interested in free wedding/anniversary/party printables share the love by sending them on over.

We all have those fancy dishes, silverware, china, wine glasses, etc that we have stacked away and rarely use except for very special occasions. Who says we can only use them to impress our guests or that they are only for elegant meals??? Instead of only using those dishes to impress others with why not impress your honey by dressing up a breakfast, lunch, or dinner by serving your meal on your fancy dishes. Cover the table in lace, light a few candles, and place slices of lemon in your drinks. These little touches will make your meal romantic and inviting. Your spouse will feel very special knowing that they are the special occasion.

25 February 2012

Have you ever noticed that if your partner is in a bad mood then you end up being in a bad mood too??? If you find yourself in this dilemma a lot it can become a hinderance in your relationship. The key is to stay happy. So how do you keep yourself and your relationship upbeat and positive?

Looking for some sexy play tonight??? Here's an easy idea that is sure to keep you begging for more yumminess! Play a game of "Name that Treat". Each of you secretly collect an array of yummy treats like peanut butter, cool whip, cream cheese, strawberries, caramel, pudding, frosting, etc...Don't show each other what you've selected or you will ruin the fun! Seductively blindfold your spouse. Place a treat on your body wherever you want. Have your spouse lick it off and guess what it is. They have to keep licking and guessing until they get it right. Take turns and get through all your treats before you dive into the best treat of all, each other!

23 February 2012

It's time for a little Bachelor gossip...I have been a little behind on Bachelor news. Last night I watched the last two shows. I was never in love with Ben so it's been a wishy washy season for me. I am so annoyed with all these amazing girls falling for him! After his little dip with Courtney I've been hoping he ends up with her. When watching the home town visits last night, I can't help but think that all the other girls were too good for him. Please tell me that you all agree with me???

22 February 2012

Seize more opportunities to talk. Instead of listening to music while driving around town, get a conversation book and place it in your car to ask questions while driving around town. Limit the amount of technology time in your home so you can save time to enjoy each others company. Spend 10 minutes before going to bed talking about what you loved about the day. The possibilities are endless. So get to talking!!!

21 February 2012

Today's sexy bite is another idea that was inspired by Pinterest. The original posting was for ice cream waffle sandwiches. I thought that sounded pretty yummy but not as yummy as adult dessert waffles. Your guests will think your dish is too pretty to eat. Are you ready to drool?

Double Chocolate Waffle Coconut Love

Coconut Milk, full fat (place unopened can in fridge overnight or in the freezer for a few hours)

Sweetener, I used 3 packets of xylitol

Toasted Coconut (directions below)

Waffle Maker

1 Chocolate Cake Mix1/2 cup chocolate chips

Chopped Strawberries

Blueberries

powdered sugarVanilla Ice Cream

Open chilled can of coconut milk. Scoop out the thick coconut cream. Save water for other treats such as smoothies, coconut rice, or as a refreshing drink. Mix cream with mixer until thick and creamy. Add sweetener and mix just until blended. Place whip in fridge.

To Toast Coconut: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheet with tin-foil. Sprinkle shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened, on cookie sheet. Place in heated oven. Bake until edges and tops are lightly browned, around 10 minutes. Mix coconut around and place back in oven for around 5 minutes, to ensure all of coconut is evenly toasted. Once toasted promptly remove coconut and place in a serving dish.

Chop strawberries and place in fridge.

Turn on waffle maker. While warming, mix chocolate cake mix according to directions, except replace milk for water. Add chocolate chips and mix evenly by hand until coated. Set Aside.

Scoop chocolate cake batter into waffle machine, amount varies depending on waffle machine. I have a Belgian waffle maker and I used 3/4 cup batter. Cook waffles according to the directions on your waffle maker. Cooking all batter should make around 15 waffles.

Dust waffles with powdered sugar. Sprinkle with strawberries, blueberries, and toasted coconut. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and then a scoop of coconut whip. Finish presentation by sprinkling with more toasted coconut.

20 February 2012

Question of the day is all about being sick...What kind of sick person are you??? My hubby likes to be rubbed, cuddled, and pampered when he is sick. I on the other hand kinda just want to be quiet, watch movies, and lick popsicles. Are you the sick person who wants breakfast in bed? Maybe fresh squeezed orange juice? Or do you want home made chicken soup?

My hubby and I enjoy our daily gymoutings. It's a passion of ours that wefeel bummed about missing out on. Notonly do we keep in shape for ourselvesbut for each other as well!

Winter Date Night: I Work Out, Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle, Yeah!Cost: $10-$20 for a drop in fee or a gym membership feePerks: The two of you can get healthy and fit together, look better outside and feel better inside about yourself, and feel sexy in lacy outfits!Getting in a little bit of exercise each day does more for you then just getting you in shape. It will help your relationship in tons of ways. You will decrease stress which will help you be more patient, loving, and kind. You’re energy levels will rise adding vitality to your relationship. Best of all your self-esteem will rise and you will feel and look hot and want to get nasty together!!!

If you have any winter date ideas please share them. Winter lasts for quite a few months and I would love to have a new date idea to share each week so we don't get the winter love blues!!!

19 February 2012

Sometimes the most romantic gifts are those that are simple yet show that you care. Here's an example of a little gift that is simple but delivered in a loving manner.Buy a box of your sweeties favorite chocolates and remove all but only a few chocolates. Wrap it up all pretty like. During the next week hide a couple of chocolates each day for your sweetie to find. On their pillow, on thedash of the car, on top of their towel, on their dinner plate...Think of unexpected places to leave your chocolates.

Now why is this sweet in more ways then one, because it's all in the delivery. Every time a chocolate appears it expresses your love and will make them love your thoughtfulness.

18 February 2012

Ok, I know this isn't exactly about love and romance but seriously if you think about it, it is...Take a moment to read this, you won't be disappointed you did. We all need a reminder now and then!

How many things are you missing out on in your relationship because you are not taking the time to stop and listen???

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that 1,100 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

17 February 2012

Question of the day...What is something you do on a regular basis to strengthen your marriage? Something that makes you feel loved, or makes your spouse feel loved, or something that helps you grow as a couple?

On a regular basis I find myself thinking that my hubby is way gorgeous. I'm always telling him how proud I am to show him off because I think he is better looking then I am. I'm not saying I think I'm ugly as sin, but just that my hubby's looks rate higher then mine. So please tell me that I'm not the only wife or husband that thinks their spouse is way hot!

In doing a little bit of research on You Beauty I found a little article that told me I'm not crazy...Ok it doesn't really say that but it does say that thinking your spouse is better looking then you are is a sign of love. Take a look at a sneak peak of the article and hop on over for more fun facts.

"Thinking that your partner is the better-looking one is actually a good thing. It may mean you’re in love. As it turns out, we’re more attracted to people with similar levels of education, IQ, socio-economic background, and looks. However, researchers have gone even further and found that the old cliché “love is blind” is actually true.

In a study where people were asked to rate their own attractiveness, their partners rated them higher than they rated themselves. Furthermore, there is some science to back up the idea that finding your mate more attractive actually means that you are in a committed, passionate, intimate and satisfying relationship. So don’t try and see through the honeymoon haze, embrace it! The good news continues, because science has found that the haze can extend well beyond the honeymoon."